Our Staff The principal office of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council is in Nashville, Tennessee. Staff and contractors pursue our ambitious agenda in research, training, education, organizing, and advocacy from offices in various locations. Staff members include: Bobby Watts, MPH, MS, CPH Chief Executive Officer G. Robert “Bobby” Watts is the chief executive officer of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council and oversees all aspects of the Council’s activity in advocacy, training, technical assistance, research, peer support, organizing, and fund development. A nationally recognized advocate and leader in meeting the health needs of people without homes, he has more than 25 years of experience in administration, direct service, and implementation of homeless health services. He began his work with people experiencing homelessness as a live-in staff member of the New York City Rescue Mission in Manhattan. Learn more about Bobby. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292 | Email Address: bwatts@nhchc.org Hugo Aguas, MA Research Associate Hugo works with the research team to research health outcomes using data driven methodologies, Hugo collaborates with other community health partners throughout the country to develop educational materials pertaining to medical care for those experiencing homelessness. Hugo also disseminates data and provides ease-of-access to community partners throughout the nation, and assists in writing publications and scheduling educational seminars on public health amongst those experiencing homelessness. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292 | Email Address: haguas@nhchc.org Lauryn Berner, MSW, MPH Research Manager Lauryn works with the research team to support the Health Care for the Homeless field by developing and disseminating knowledge, increasing visibility of HCH-related research through publications and external collaborations, and providing data-driven support to inter-departmental teams and workgroups. Lauryn serves as the Council’s subject matter expert on housing and HIV, and her work has focused on the social determinants of health. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 230 | Email Address: lberner@nhchc.org Alaina Boyer, PhD Director of Research Alaina provides oversight and guidance for the research activities of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, which include quality improvement projects and providing educational resources for health care clinics that serve individuals experiencing homelessness. She coordinates and facilitates the Research Committee and Practice Based Research Network initiatives, which are currently focused on improving health outcomes and providing quality care across systems for vulnerable populations. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 233 | Email Address: aboyer@nhchc.org Lily Catalano, BA Clinical Manager Lily coordinates the work of the Health Care for the Homeless Clinicians’ Network and develops resources to improve access to and quality of health care for people experiencing homelessness. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 231 | Email Address: lcatalano@nhchc.org Katherine Cavanaugh, MSW Consumer Advocate Katherine staffs the National Consumer Advisory Board (NCAB), helps to coordinate consumer initiatives, and further develops Council relationships with local Consumer Advisory Boards (CABs). Contact Information Phone Number: (443) 703-1320 | Email Address: kcavanaugh@nhchc.org Andrea Crowe, MA Advancement Coordinator Andrea maintains the Council's donor and membership database; manages fundraising lists of individuals, organizations, and foundations; and provides a range of administrative services in the areas of philanthropy and member relations. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 234 | Email Address: acrowe@nhchc.org Brandon de la Cruz, MM Media and Technology Manager Brandon manages media-based communication activities for the Council -- including webinars, videography, photography, and music production -- and provides guidance and support for information technology services. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 249 | Email Address: bdelacruz@nhchc.org Barbara DiPietro, PhD Senior Director of Policy Barbara directs the policy and advocacy activities for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. This includes conducting policy analysis, providing educational materials and presentations to a broad range of policymakers and other stakeholders, coordinating the Council’s policy priorities with national partners, and organizing staff assistance to the Policy Committee and the National Consumer Advisory Board. Contact Information Phone Number: (443) 703-1346 | Email Address: bdipietro@nhchc.org Jennifer Dix, BBA Communications Coordinator Jenn provides assistance with the Council’s marketing and branding efforts. This includes supporting effective communication strategies via email communications, newsletters, marketing materials, website content, and social media. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 225 | Email Address: jdix@nhchc.org Julia Dobbins, MSW Director of Medical Respite Care Julia joined the Council in 2012 and leads our work on medical respite care. She provides guidance and oversight for medical respite activities including training, technical assistance, and resource and program development. Additionally, she is the staff liaison to the Respite Care Providers’ Network (RCPN) and coordinates and facilitates the activities of the RCPN steering committee. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 232 | Email Address: jdobbins@nhchc.org D. Michael Durham, MTS Community Engagement Manager Michael is responsible for strategic relationship-building and increasing representation of marginalized communities in all of the Council’s work. Leaning on these relationships, he coordinates the Council’s largely peer-to-peer technical assistance program, which provides support to health centers and other organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. He also supports the CEO in certain racial equity initiatives. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 246 | Email Address: mdurham@nhchc.org Dorothy (Dott) Freeman, PhD Senior Director of Advancement Dott is the Council's Senior Director of Advancement and has more than 25 years of fundraising experience in a variety of areas, including service-oriented nonprofits, health care, and education. Heading the Council's Advancement Team, she leads our philanthropy, communications, membership, media, and technology initiatives. Contact Information Phone Number: (207) 333-8877 | Email Address: dfreeman@nhchc.org Melanie Harper, BA, LSSGB Director of Finance & Administration Melanie is responsible for oversight of all the financial and administrative functions of the Council and staffs the Finance & Personnel Committee. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 229 | Email Address: mharper@nhchc.org Darlene Jenkins, DrPH Senior Director of Programs Darlene oversees the work of the Education and Research Teams. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 228 | Email Address: djenkins@nhchc.org Joseph Kenkel, BS Research Assistant Joey works with the research team to support the Health Care for the Homeless field by developing and disseminating information, increasing visibility of HCH-related research through publications and external collaborations, and improving the HCH field and community’s capacity for quality improvement and engagement in research. Joey also performs activities aimed to increase the knowledge base, skill set, and resources of health center staff engaged in supportive housing initiatives in partnership with the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH). Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 226 | Email Address: jkenkel@nhchc.org Kelli Klein, BA Behavioral Health Coordinator Kelli provides technical assistance and supports the Council’s work on behavioral health and homelessness, focusing on the integration of behavioral health into primary care settings. She works specifically on the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Center of Excellence (CoE) for Behavioral Health Technical Assistance (BHTA), which includes the development and execution of webinars and peer learning opportunities through communities of practice. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 247 | Email Address: kklein@nhchc.org Katie League, LCSW-C COVID-19 Project Manager (Policy Team) Katie works with the policy team to support the Council’s efforts surrounding the COVID-19 global pandemic. She works to identify and promote promising practices, common challenges, and key policy issues faced by the HCH community. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292 | Email Address: kleague@nhchc.org Cindy Manginelli, BS Director of Community Engagement Cindy directs the Council’s efforts to engage and create a diverse community of individuals, coalitions, and programs that directly address issues at the intersection of homelessness and health care. She also manages the Council’s ongoing work to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community of those who experience and address homelessness. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 239 | Email Address: cmanginelli@nhchc.org Julia Nettles-Clemons, BA Administrative Coordinator Julia has a variety of responsibilities in the areas of finance and administration that include accounts receivable and accounts payable, office maintenance, clerical work, operations, and database support. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 221| Email Address: jnettles@nhchc.org Courtney Pladsen, DNP, FNP-BC, RN Director of Clinical and Quality Improvement Courtney leads initiatives to improve the delivery of primary care, substance use treatment, and mental health care nationally. She directs training and quality improvement initiatives, and contributes to research and policy recommendations on emerging clinical issues affecting people experiencing homelessness. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292 | Email Address: cpladsen@nhchc.org Brett Poe, BS Research Associate Brett works with the research team to support the Health Care for the Homeless field by developing and disseminating information, increasing visibility of HCH-related research through publications and external collaborations, and providing data-driven support to inter-departmental teams and workgroups. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 242 | Email Address: bpoe@nhchc.org Regina Reed, MPH Health Policy Manager Regina is responsible for representing the interests of the Council to policymakers and organizational partners in Washington, D.C., working with the Policy Committee to advance the Council’s advocacy agenda, developing policy positions and analyses, and mobilizing member organizations, service providers, and other advocates to end poverty and homelessness. Contact Information Phone Number: (443) 703-1337 | Email Address: rreed@nhchc.org Caitlin Synovec, OTD, OTR/L, BCMH Medical Respite Manager Caitlin is an occupational therapist with clinical experience working with adults experiencing homelessness to improve quality of life and engagement in their preferred communities. As the Medical Respite Manager, she works with the Director of Medical Respite on projects of the National Institute for Medical Respite Care (NIMRC) and the Respite Care Providers’ Network (RCPN). Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292 | Email Address: csynovec@nhchc.org Cecilia Willoughby, BA Training and Meetings Coordinator Cecilia manages logistics and educational content for the Council’s major training events, including our annual National Health Care for the Homeless Conference and Policy Symposium, Regional Training, and Governing Membership Meeting. She serves as the point person for these major training events working in concert with the Director of Finance and Administration, Administrators Committee, other staff members, and other stakeholders. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 241 | Email Address: cwilloughby@nhchc.org Cecilia Willoughby, BA Training and Meetings Coordinator Cecilia manages logistics and educational content for the Council’s major training events, including our annual National Health Care for the Homeless Conference and Policy Symposium, Regional Training, and Governing Membership Meeting. She serves as the point person for these major training events working in concert with the Director of Finance and Administration, Administrators Committee, other staff members, and other stakeholders. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 241 | Email Address: cwilloughby@nhchc.org Terri Woodmore, MS Communications Manager As part of the advancement team, Terri develops and coordinates ongoing communications and media strategies, and maintains high-quality communications including mass emails, newsletters, marketing materials, website design and content, social media, and audio/video packages. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 245 | Email Address: twoodmore@nhchc.org Brenda Wright Executive Assistant Brenda serves as Executive Assistant to the CEO and is responsible for Board meeting preparation, special projects, and administrative support including scheduling, preparing executive documents and correspondence, managing travel itineraries, maintaining files, and other administrative duties. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 251 | Email Address: bwright@nhchc.org Search for: COVID-19 Join Donate FollowFollow Visualize Homelessness The Visualize Homelessness series features a variety of topics affecting people experiencing homelessness and is intended to bring awareness to the many challenges and barriers faced by people without homes. These images are available for use in educational materials, public awareness campaigns, on social media, and wherever applicable in your work in health care or homelessness. New images will be added periodically, and we encourage you to share these graphics on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms using the hashtag #VisualizeHomelessness. Contact Jennifer Dix with questions or comments. Available Graphics Topic Source Material and Resources Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Adverse Childhood Events Fact Sheet Clinicians’ Coffee Chat Webinar: Adverse Childhood Experiences Download Image Affordable Housing State of Affairs: A Health Policy Update Healing Hands: Housing Solutions for People Experiencing Homelessness Download Image Download Image Download Image Asthma Shelter Health: Opportunities for Health Care for the Homeless Programs Download Image COVID-19 Coronavirus Resources Download Image Download Image Download Image Download Image Diabetes Adapting Your Practice: Treatment & Recommendations for Patients Who Are Homeless with Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes Mellitus Resources Download Image Download Image Disabilities Disability Resources Download Image Domestic Abuse Responding to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Tools & Resources for HCH Staff Trauma Resources Download Image Elderly In Focus: Aging and Housing Instability: Homelessness Among Older and Elderly Adults Elderly Resources Download Image Encampments Clinicians’ Coffee Chats: Encampments Homeless Encampments Resources Download Image Family Homelessness Supplemental Anticipatory Guidance For Children and Adolescents Experiencing Homelessness Healing Hands: Addressing Family Homelessness Download Image Food Insecurity Supplemental Anticipatory Guidance For Children and Adolescents Experiencing Homelessness Healing Hands: Addressing Family Homelessness Download Image Download Image HCH Value Demonstrating Value: Measuring the Impact of the Health Care for the Homeless Grantees HCH Day Resources Download Image Download Image Heart Disease Cardiovascular Disease Resources Download Image Hepatitis Healing Hands: Hepatitis C Update San Diego Hepatitis A Outbreak: An HCH Health Center’s Involvement in Disaster Response Hepatitis Resources Download Image Download Image Incarceration In Focus: Incarceration and Homelessness: A Revolving Door of Risk Stopping the Revolving Door: How Health Centers Can Serve Justice-Involved Populations Law Enforcement & Homelessness: Forging Fruitful Partnerships Download Image Download Image Download Image Insurance Health Insurance at HCH Programs Download Image LGBT Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer Health Resources Download Image Download Image Medical Respite Medical Respite Resources Medical Respite Toolkit Respite News Download Image Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Medication-Assisted Treatment: Changes in Federal Policy Will Help Increase Access to Opioid Treatment in the HCH Community Medication-Assisted Treatment in the HCH Community: Strategies for Expanding Services 2019 Medication-Assisted Treatment & Recovery Symposium Download Image Mental Illness Mental Illness Resources Download Image Download Image Mortality HPMD Public Statement and Advocacy Agenda Poverty and Health Resources Download Image Download Image Download Image Download Image Natural Disasters Emergency Preparedness Resources 2018 Spring Virtual Training: Responding to Crises Download Image Opioids Addressing the Opioid Epidemic: How the Opioid Crisis Affects Homeless Populations An Action Agenda to Combat the Opioid Crisis Substance Use Disorder Resources Download Image Download Image Prenatal Care Healing Hands: Decreasing Unintended Pregnancy among Women Experiencing Homelessness Download Image Race & Discrimination Racial and Ethnic Bias Resources Download Image Download Image Respect & Dignity Download Image Rural Homelessness Rural Issues Resources Download Image Sexual Assault Responding to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Tools & Resources for HCH Staff Download Image Social Determinants of Health Social Determinants of Health: Predictors of Health among People without Homes Download Image Substance Use Disorder Homelessness & Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Health and Behavioral Health Consequences of Childhood Trauma Substance Use Disorder Resources Download Image Suicide Suicide and Homelessness: Data Trends in Suicide and Mental Health among Homeless Populations Mental Illness Resources Download Image Traumatic Brain Injury Cognitive Impairments Resources Download Image Veterans Healing Hands, A Troubled Homecoming: Understanding and Treating Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Veterans Resources Download Image Violence/Trauma Shelter Health: Opportunities for Health Care for the Homeless Projects Research Alert: Homelessness Increases Vulnerability to Violence Trauma Resources Download Image Download Image Weather Healing Hands: Exposure-Related Conditions: Symptoms and Prevention Strategies Heat-related Conditions Resources Download Image Download Image Download Image Women Women’s Health Care Resources Download Image Download Image Youth In Focus: Behavioral Health among Youth Experiencing Homelessness Children, Youth, and Families Resources Download Image Download Image WHO WE ARE MEMBERSHIP MEDIA Council in the News Press Releases & Statements HCH Stories Visualize Homelessness CAREERS 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Email Sign Up Now This website is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,967,147 with 20 percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov. Copyright © 2021 National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Inc. 604 Gallatin Ave., Suite 106 | Nashville, TN 37206 | (615) 226-2292 Privacy and Payment Policies FollowFollowFollow
